Birdman or (The Unexpected Virtue of Ignorance) *****

Run Time: 119mins Cert: 15

Synopsis: A washed-up actor (Keaton), who once played an iconic superhero, battles his ego and attempts to recover his family, his career and himself in the days leading up to the opening of his Broadway play.

Birdman is a one trick pony of a movie, what a trick it is. A film that follows actors about before the official opening of a Broadway show does not sound that enthralling, but it is.

The reason for this could be to do with the writing of the characters, who are all deeply flawed but it is hard not to care for everyone of them.

Iñárritu’s Birdman features an amazing cast of talented actors. Michael Keaton is perfectly cast as Riggan Thomson, a character trying to come out of the shadows after being only remembered of playing a superhero. At times the portrayal almost seems autobiographical. Emma Stone plays his daughter with a powerful and touching performance. The funniest characters are Edward Norton’s self obsessed schizophrenic drunk thespian and Zach Galifianakis’ neurotic and nutty producer.

Stunningly shot with mad camera angles and a crazy jazz infused soundtrack. Plus it somehow manages to feel like it has been shot in one continuous take, even though that would be realistically impossible to do. A dark comedy which is incredibly clever, unique and completely original.